Poland’s Supreme Audit Office (NIK) criticizes the Ministry of Climate and Environment for granting electric bus subsidies without proper rules.
Control Findings
NIK audited four electric buses purchased by Tatra National Park (TPN) under a Ministry of Climate and Environment grant. They began operating in May 2025, transporting tourists on the Zakopane–Morskie Oko route. NIK found Minister Paulina Hennig-Kloska approved the grant without defining bus usage rules or an educational program, lacking verification of the beneficiary’s readiness.
The audit also noted the ministry failed to implement a prior NIK recommendation requiring analysis of grant requests and verification of recipient readiness before funding allocation.
Ministry Response
The ministry rejects NIK’s assessment, stating the subsidy was allocated for a specific educational program in Tatra National Park and complied with regulations. It emphasized public funds, including reserve allocations, are used in line with existing laws.
Park’s Position
TPN provided clarifications and supplementary documents to the ministry in March 2025, including proposed educational recordings. Each e-bus was equipped with an audio guide covering natural, cultural, and historical topics related to the Tatras and Morskie Oko.
Bus Operations
The four electric buses arrived at TPN in December 2024 and began service in May 2025. Initially intended exclusively for tourists with disabilities, they opened to all visitors. Service ended in November for winter and will resume in May.
Horse Transport Debate
The buses were meant as an alternative to horse-drawn transport. Animal rights advocates demand full withdrawal of horses from the route due to overwork concerns, though annual veterinary and orthopedic exams show the animals are healthy; approximately 300 horses work on the trail.
Future Plans
A February 2025 agreement between TPN and the ministry foresees purchasing 16 additional e-buses, creating a 20-vehicle fleet. Horse transport would remain only on a shorter section as a tourist attraction.